IF you’re feeling adventurous this festive season then you might be planning to mix it up when it comes to your bedroom activities.

The vagina has a delicate Ph which is a little bit acidic – but there are things that can throw this off kilter, causing smells and other issues.

Of course there are some things that you can put in your vagina that can help your health and wellbeing.

Tampons can be used inside the vagina in order to stop the flow of blood during your monthly cycle.

Obviously when it comes to other, more private activities, the penis, tongue and fingers are all also allowed into the vagina, as well as sex toys – as long as they are clean.

Lubricants are also allowed and then are also some medications for thrush which need to be inserted into the vagina.

When you go for a smear test there will also be a speculum inserted into your vagina which can help detect abnormal cells.

Here experts have revealed the things you should never put inside your vagina.

1. Soaps and body washes

Intimate Health Expert Stephanie Taylor at Kegel8 said you should avoid using scented products when cleaning your vagina as it doesn’t need it.

She explained: “While the inside of your vagina is self-cleaning, with discharge acting as a natural way to cleanse your body of bacteria, using any to wash the vulva can disrupt your natural bacterial balance and result in bacterial vaginosis, thrush or even cystitis.

“Meanwhile, vaginal douching, which consists of spraying a mixture of fluid up the vagina is equally as harmful.

“Adding excess fluid to the mix can change the natural acidity of a healthy vagina and can even spur an overgrowth of bacteria.”

“Stick to warm water, a washcloth and mild soap when cleaning to avoid irritation and prevent infections”, she said.

2. Water

While it’s ok to clean your vagina with water, you should stay away from putting it inside your vagina or douching.

This can disrupt the normal vaginal bacteria, so it isn’t recommended that you use one.

Professor Ronnie Lamont, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “I can’t think of any circumstances where douches are helpful, because all they do is wash out everything that’s in the vagina, including all the healthy bacteria”.

3. Lemon juice

Stephanie said that while some previous trends might have recommended using lemon juice to clean the inside and outside of the vagina, this is extremely dangerous due to the high acidity levels, which can upset the natural PH balance and flora.

“It’ll likely result in irritation to both the inside of your vagina as well as your vulva.

“Not only will the high-acid lemon juice sting your intimate area, or in more serious cases cause burns or abrasions, the risk of infection is also extremely high.

“With the vagina already having a high natural PH level of between 3.8 and 4.5, it has its own natural bacteria so it can clean itself”, Stephanie said.

She added that adding lemon juice could create tiny tears that leave you more vulnerable to thrush or bacterial vaginosis – infections that when developed will result in more odour, not less.

4. Unclean sex toys

Before using sex toys, always double-check they are clean before using them or even clean them again to be extra safe, Stephanie said.

She said that inserting anything into the vagina that is unclean can be massively problematic, especially with many toys made from synthetic materials, which, if not washed properly, could start to rot and leak chemicals into your intimate area.

“Plus, bacteria build-up can upset the incredibly delicate vaginal flora, resulting in yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and in the worst cases, STI’s”, she added.

5. Sharp objects

Inserting anything sharp into the vagina is a big no-no, Stephanie said.

While the vagina has fewer nerve-endings – designed for childbirth – putting sharp objects into it will no doubt cause tearing to the sensitive genital tissue.

“Symptoms for vaginal cuts include stinging when urinating, pain, pain or discomfort, itching, burning, or in the worst cases, excessive bleeding, numbness, tingling and even fainting.

“Unless you fancy a trip to A & E or an uncomfortable conversation with your doctor, keep the sharp objects away from your intimate area!”, she explained.

6. Vaseline

Some people might think that Vaseline is just another type of lubricant, but inserting the petroleum product into your vagina could cause infections, Stephanie explained.

“Unlike lube, Vaseline will last longer inside the vagina, causing bacteria to build upon the remnants, making it more likely to get bacterial vaginosis or a bad yeast infection.

“Plus, during sexual intercourse, the oil molecules will break down the latex of the condom, causing it to break, which could result in you contracting an STI or an unplanned pregnancy”, she said.

7. Wipes

Like the soaps and body washes, wipes can disrupt the vagina’s Ph.

Prof Lamont said: “If nature had intended the vagina to smell like roses or lavender, it would have made the vagina smell like roses or lavender.”

If you’re worried about how your vagina smells then you should contact your GP.

8. Food

Dr Shree Datta, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at MyHealthcare Clinic in London said generally speaking, it’s a good idea to not insert anything into your vagina that could cause injury, infection or irritation.

She told The Sun: “Some people like to introduce food items such chocolate into foreplay and that’s perfectly safe as long as it’s kept on the external skin and it isn’t too hot – which could cause burns.

“If the chocolate does get into the vagina it could lead to an infection or irritation so be careful and be sure to wash it off fully.”